Like HDS's enterprise-sized VTL offerings, the new bundles consist of a server, an array, some HBAs, and software (and in the two larger flavors, a switch). The mid-sized gear is similarly heavy on the de-dupe angle, courtesy of HDS's software reselling arrangement with Isreali-based R&D firm, Diligent Technologies.

The appliances launched today are the 500M, 1000L and 1000E — in order from mid- to mid-although-somewhat-big sized units.

The 500M bundle includes a two socket server with dual-core processors connected to Hitachi's Adaptable Modular Storage (AMS) 500 array with 8TB to 20TB capacity. Hitachi says the the system has throughput of 200MB/s.

Both the 1000L and 1000E bundles include a four socket server sporting dual core chips, connected to an AMS 1000 array. The array in the 1000L has 15TB to 30TB capacity and is capable of 300MB/s performance. The beefier 1000E has 30TB to 50TB capacity and can do 400MB/s, according to Hitachi.

Each system comes with a mid-sized business oriented version of Diligent ProtecTIER data de-duplication software. The technology is an "inline" version of de-dupe, which does its magic before it's sent to backup. And while this can speed the process up, de-dupe is still a technology that moves at a relatively glacial pace.

HDS's new VTLs will be available within the next two months. Pricing? Heck, we'd like to know that one too. Hitachi won't be revealing that score until later. ®